What is Sacramental Preparation?
The preparation by the Church along with the family to guide a child or teen to grow deeper in
their faith and grow closer to Christ by receiving the grace of a Sacrament or Sacraments.
The varying programs we offer are:
 
First Communion Prep (I and II)
A baptized child/teen must be 7 or older to prepare to receive two sacraments in this program. In
Part I, they will prepare for their First Reconciliation (confession). In Part II they will prepare for
their First Communion. One year of religious education is required prior to the year they prepare,
and child/teen should continue a second year of religious education while they are preparing for
this sacrament. Classes begin in mid-January with a total of 8 classes that are completed by the
end of March. They will be held on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30. A parent information
meeting will be offered in mid-November and is required in order to sign your child up. Some
parent preparation is also required at home. Book fee is $40 (2 workbooks to complete at home).
Click here for the First Communion schedule for 2021-2022 school year.
 
CHICCA
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children of Catechetical Age. Assists children (ages 7-17) who
have not been baptized or have been baptized in other Christian denominations but wish to enter
the Roman Catholic Church. It is a 2-year program, with both years requiring good attendance in
our Religious Education programs. In addition, the second year also includes a class that helps
children and teens learn more about the Catholic Church and deepen their own faith. The
Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) are received at the Easter Vigil
or during the Easter season. CHICCA classes meet 2 Tuesday evenings a month (6:30-7:45)
Nov-May. Click here for the CHICCA schedule for the 2021-2022 school year.
 
**Team members are always welcome in helping to prepare our elementary, middle
and high schooler's for these beautiful sacraments. Ability to speak Spanish is a

plus!!!**

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RCIA/RICA (in Spanish)
Assists adults (18 years old and older) who are not baptized, who have been baptized in other
Christian denominations, and who have been baptized Catholic but are unfamiliar with the
Catholic faith.  The process begins each fall, and includes weekly sessions on Tuesdays that
include instruction, prayer and scripture study, retreats, blessings and prayer experiences. 
Candidates are received into the Church with Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Team members are

needed in a number of roles, including catechists, hospitality providers and prayer leaders.
Training is available. Sponsors are needed to accompany candidates through the process as
resources and representatives of the parish. Sponsors should be fully initiated (Confirmed),
practicing Catholics in good standing in the Church. 
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Confirmation Class
The youth religious formation and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation during the
school year and in parallel to the LifeTeen program.
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Sacramental Preparation Requirements
If you would like your child to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion, please
register your child for Religious Education classes by Sept. 30th. In order to be eligible for
reception of these Sacraments…

• - your child must be baptized* and at least 7 years-old

• the Religious Education office must receive proof of the child’s baptism.

• if baptized at Blessed Sacrament please provide a copy of the baptismal

certificate or the date on which they were baptized

• if baptized elsewhere, obtain a copy of the Baptismal Certificate.  If you do not

have the certificate, please contact the baptismal church and request a copy. If
you have difficulty locating an address or phone number, please ask us for
assistance.

*If they were not baptized Catholic, please contact the office and let us know so we can make
appropriate accommodations

• must be currently enrolled and attending Religious Education classes for a second year

(or enrolled in the Homeschool program)

•  should be regularly attending weekend Mass

•  your child must attend Monday evening classes (Jan-March).

•  First Communion interview must also be completed before First Communion is received

 
CHICCA:

•  Children 7 years and older who have not been baptized must attend regular

Religious Education classes and apply to the CHICCA program

 

SPECIAL SACRAMENT NEEDS (CHICCA):

Children 7 years and older who have not been baptized Catholic must attend regular Religious Education classes or and enroll additionally in the CHICCA program

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